Guide · Open source
How to use Jimp: image processing in Node.js with JavaScript
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Jimp (JavaScript Image Manipulation Program) is an image processing library for Node, written entirely in JavaScript with no native dependencies. This guide is for Node.js developers who want to open, edit and save images inside a server or script. After reading it you will know what Jimp is for, how to get the source, how to customise it with @jimp/custom, and when a different tool is a better fit.
Jimpjimp-dev/jimp · ★ 14.7k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Install Node.js. Jimp's only listed prerequisite is Node.js. Make sure it is installed before you start.
- 2Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/jimp-dev/jimp to get the source code locally.
- 3Read the project homepage. Open the homepage at http://jimp-dev.github.io/jimp/ to find the current usage documentation, since the README excerpt does not include API examples.
- 4Decide whether you need a custom build. If you need different file types or a smaller set of plugins, look at the packages/custom folder and the @jimp/custom package.
- 5Add or remove formats and plugins. Use @jimp/custom to switch encoders and decoders, add file types, or add and remove image manipulation plugins.
- 6Test in your own project. Run Jimp in a small Node script first to confirm it opens, edits and saves an image in the way your project needs.
What Jimp is and what it does
Jimp is a code library, not a desktop app. Your Node.js code uses it to open, edit and save images. The project describes itself as an image processing library for Node written entirely in JavaScript.
Because it has zero native dependencies, it does not rely on platform-specific compiled code. The project's analysis says this means it is meant to install and run without compiling native code, which helps on systems where native build tools are hard to set up.
- Runs inside Node.js code, on a server or in a script
- Written entirely in JavaScript and TypeScript
- No native dependencies to compile
- Licensed under MIT
What you need before you start
The only prerequisite listed for Jimp is Node.js. You do not need a compiler or other native build tools for Jimp itself, according to the project's description.
The README excerpt we have does not show the package install command, so check the project's documentation for the current install steps.
- Node.js installed on your machine
Get the Jimp source code
The README gives this command to clone the repository. Run it in the folder where you want the project to live.
Once cloned, the repository includes a packages folder. The README links to packages/custom for customising Jimp.
git clone https://github.com/jimp-dev/jimpCustomise which formats and plugins Jimp includes
If you want to extend Jimp or leave out parts you do not need, the README points to the @jimp/custom package in the packages/custom folder. It lists two kinds of customisation.
Use this route when you want a smaller or more specific build than the default set of features.
- Add file types or switch the encoders and decoders
- Add or remove plugins, which are the image manipulation methods
Contribute or read the project guidelines
If you want to change Jimp itself rather than use it, the README asks contributors to read the CONTRIBUTING documentation first.
The README excerpt is cut off before any API examples, so for method names and usage code, read the project homepage linked in the repository.
What people use it for
- Resizing or editing uploaded images on a Node.js server
- Image processing in a build or batch script where native modules are hard to install
- Building a custom image pipeline with only the file types and plugins you need
- Running image code on systems where compiling native modules is difficult
Frequently asked questions
Is Jimp free to use?
Yes. Jimp is licensed under the MIT licence, as listed in the project details. Check the LICENSE file in the repository if you need the exact terms for your project.
Does Jimp need native dependencies or build tools?
No. Jimp is described as written entirely in JavaScript with zero native dependencies. That means it does not require compiling platform-specific code.
Is Jimp a desktop app?
No. Jimp is a code library for Node.js. The README does not describe a graphical interface, so you use it from your own code or scripts.
How does Jimp compare to sharp, pngjs and canvas?
Those are the comparable projects in our analysis. The README does not make performance claims. A pure JavaScript approach may be slower than native tools, so if you need very fast bulk processing, test Jimp against alternatives like sharp on your own images before you commit.
Can I remove image formats or plugins I don't need?
Yes, according to the README. The @jimp/custom package lets you add or switch file types and encoders and decoders, and add or remove plugins.
Why won't Jimp install or run on my machine?
The README excerpt does not cover troubleshooting. Check that Node.js is installed, and see the project homepage and CONTRIBUTING documentation for further help.
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Our verdict
Jimp suits Node.js developers who want image manipulation in pure JavaScript, especially where compiling native modules is a problem, and who are happy to use it as a code library. If you need a ready-made desktop app, or very high-speed bulk image processing, look at native alternatives such as sharp, and test performance on your own images.
Install options & downloads